by Peace, Cas
He pursed his lips when he saw Sullyan’s concerned expression. “This doesn’t necessarily have any connection to the Baron’s supposed suicide,” he said. She just stared at him.
“But if it did,” mused Robin, “wouldn’t it mean the Baron’s back in Port Loxton? Or at least in the immediate area. Do we still want to make the trip to Bordenn?”
Sullyan remained silent and the General stared right back at her. “Well?”
She had the grace to drop her eyes. “You already know what I think, Mathias.”
“Dammit,” he snapped, “what are we to do, then? Vassa can send out parties to scour the city, but if Reen is behind this he’ll be long gone by now. I can’t believe he’d risk entering the city, anyway. He’s too well known. Who’d risk sheltering him from Elias’s retribution? Who did he have in the city with enough power to stand up to the King’s will and the might of the King’s Guard?”
Sullyan shook her head. “No one. I agree the Baron would not risk himself. If he is behind Neremiah’s murder, he is using an agent. Maybe more than one.”
“So is it still worth going all the way to Bordenn?” persisted Robin. “What could we find out if Reen isn’t actually there?”
Sullyan glanced at her life mate. “I believe it would be worth gauging Lerric’s loyalty to Elias. I would be interested to learn of his reactions to the news of Reen’s purported death, and also Sofira’s to questions on the subject of correspondence with her former confidante. If we accept, for the moment, that Reen is alive, then someone provided the means for him to escape death by drowning, and that will not be coincidence. Someone is aiding him now—someone with wealth and power. Reen would not risk attracting our suspicions and attention if he did not believe himself secure.”
Blaine shifted irritably. “Of course, this murder could be the work of some conscienceless thief. Murders do happen, especially in a city like Loxton, and Neremiah wasn’t universally popular. He’d spoken out on a number of topics, and never scrupled to berate those he considered less than godly. I think we should be very careful of attributing every strange occurrence to Reen’s disappearance.”
“Never mind the fact that Reen would hate Neremiah vehemently for failing him at the trial and would be avid for his death.” Sullyan’s voice was soft in the room.
Blaine glared at her and she shook her head. “Very well, Mathias, I am rebuked. I will keep an open mind on the subject. If you will, once you arrive in Port Loxton, please allow Robin to question the mason’s men. He should be able to tell if any of them lie. If he uncovers falsehood, well and good; he will apprehend a murderer and I will bow to your judgment. If not, we will know to look elsewhere and you can instruct Jerrim Vassa accordingly. But I still believe the visit to Lerric is necessary.”
Mathias Blaine regarded her with some exasperation before waving a dismissive hand. He knew very well this murder had only increased the strength of her convictions over Reen’s supposed suicide. She suspected his own irritation stemmed from the fact that, deep down, he agreed with her.
“We’ll depart this afternoon,” he said curtly. “Will you be so good as to inform those selected to accompany us? The major and I still have some arrangements to discuss.”
Summarily dismissed, Sullyan rose. “Of course, General.”
She smiled at her life mate and heard Blaine’s heavy sigh as she closed the office door.
Walking slowly down the grand, sweeping staircase to the ground floor, her thoughts were chaotic. She was nowhere near as calm over this trip to Bordenn as her outward demeanor suggested, and Taran’s appalling news only increased her disquiet. She was worried Blaine wasn’t taking her concerns and convictions as seriously as he ought, and the fact Robin was accompanying him—albeit at her instigation—gave her no ease. Despite the vast levels of power the two men controlled, their safety wasn’t guaranteed. How often had she, two full levels above them both, been stripped of her power and rendered helpless? It took only a small amount of spellsilver to incapacitate the strongest Artesan, as the Baron knew well, which was why she had insisted they all experiment with the ore to find a way of overcoming its negating effects. Their lack of success was galling.
She left the Manor building and made her way to the barracks. Voices came from within; Captain Dexter giving his usual last-minute briefing to the swordsmen under his command during the trip. She heard his exhortations to vigilance even as she pushed open the door to the common room.
The barracks common room was similar to the one in the Manor, only slightly larger. The main difference was that the barracks lacked the delicious smells wafting from Goran’s kitchen day and night. The barracks commons wasn’t used for meals. Fellan and tea were continually available, but the small kitchen was only used for preparing meals in unusual circumstances, such as those surrounding Elias’s ill-advised invasion of Andaryon. But the smell of fellan was pleasant and Sullyan moved toward the pot as the assembled men came to attention and saluted her as one.
“Any news from the General?” Dexter asked as he stood the men down and approached her. They all crowded round, eager for news, for tea, or for fellan, depending on their taste.
“I am to tell you to be ready to move out by midafternoon. There has been a development, gentlemen, and I wish to make you aware of it.”
“Listen up, lads,” called Dexter, and the men fell silent. Sullyan moved to one of the wooden tables and sat upon the edge, cradling her mug of fellan.
“We have just heard from Adept Elijah at Port Loxton,” she said, and told them of the Arch Patrio’s death. The more pious among them made the sign of the Wheel. “You all know the reason behind this trip to Lerric’s province and that it is not merely a courtesy call on the part of the High King. Lerric was one of those instrumental in the civil war sixteen years ago, and it is just possible that either he or his daughter have been aiding Baron Reen. Now it just might be that the murder of Lord Neremiah is completely unconnected, but I cannot dismiss it until we have firm evidence as to who is responsible. Therefore I ask you to keep your eyes and ears open during this trip, both in Port Loxton and in Daret. The General and the Major will spend the majority of their time with Lerric and his daughter, but you will have just as important a part to play. Mingle with Lerric’s men and get them talking. Join any card games, watch them, listen to their gossip. Be alert to any hint of disapproval or fear over what their lords might be doing. Be sympathetic to their grievances. You will hear much that Robin and Mathias will not. Use your position to our advantage. Do not hesitate to bring any suspicious piece of gossip or news to their attention. And, gentlemen, there is one other thing I would ask of you.”
“What, Colonel?” asked Dexter.
She heard the concern in his voice and gazed at him. “Look after him, Dex. Look after both of them.”
Her heart was in her voice and the men responded. Coming to their feet as one, they saluted her once again.
“With every breath in our bodies and every skill we possess,” declared Dexter, the men crying “Aye!” behind him. Their loyalty and love brought tears to her eyes and she smiled in grateful thanks.
“I have every confidence in you. You ease my heart.”
By midafternoon, they were ready to leave. Dexter had the men drawn up before the Manor gates, and was himself holding the bridle of Charger, General Blaine’s warhorse. Sullyan stood close by, watching Robin attach his pack to the harness rings of Tobias’s saddle. She held Morgan in her arms, and he was watching his father intently.
Sullyan tried hard to keep the worry from her thoughts. Her son could pick them up too easily, and the last thing she wanted was to alarm the boy. He was growing in knowledge and control all the time, thanks to a variety of good teachers, but wasn’t yet skilled in disguising his emotions. He was too young to understand the need for such deception. So she smiled at him and made comments about what was happening, directing his thoughts to other topics than the imminent departure of his beloved father.
&n
bsp; General Blaine strode down the steps from the Manor’s grand entrance and took Charger’s reins from Dexter. He turned to regard Sullyan before vaulting into his saddle, but uttered not a word. They had already said all that needed saying. She merely acknowledged his tacit acceptance of her concern and afforded him a respectful salute. She turned to Robin as the General gave the order to move the company out.
Sullyan appreciated her superior officer giving them this moment of privacy. Not that she would have cared had the entire world been watching. She gave Morgan over to Robin for a final hug, then fell into his arms herself once he’d set the boy down.
Like the General, Robin said nothing, but his soul merged with hers and shared her feelings. Words were unnecessary between them after all this time together. True life mates, they were joined in spirit as well as body—what one felt, the other did too.
After a short moment, they broke apart. Sullyan felt a hand on her shoulder and turned her head to see Bull behind her. He grinned at Robin. “Don’t be too long, lad, or you may find your place taken when you return.”
“Ha!” Robin leapt lightly onto Tobias’s back. “You wouldn’t dare, you old rogue. Morgan, watch this man while I’m gone. You guard your Mama’s honor for me, do you hear?”
The boy whipped out the toy sword that never left his side. He stood in front of Sullyan and brandished it menacingly. “Yes, Papa!”
Bull laughed and Robin grinned. “You wouldn’t dare touch her now!”
The young Major nudged his mount and waved to his life mate. Then he was gone, leaving only the sound of hoof beats as he raced to catch the others.
Bull threw an arm about Sullyan’s shoulders and turned her back to the Manor. “Come on, Colonel, I need to hear how much extra work you’re going to give this poor old soldier. Morgan, shouldn’t you be with Elisse and Eadan?”
“Yes, Uncle Bull.” The boy skipped off, watched fondly by his mother and the huge man by her side.
+ + + + +
Robin handled the crossing into Andaryon and thence to Port Loxton, exchanging pleasantries with Lord-General Anjer as he did so. He told the Andaryan that Sullyan was in charge at the Manor, and also informed him where the High King would be for the next few days. It was a courtesy agreed between the rulers to inform each other when absent from their capital. It helped cement their relationship and remind their subjects of their close ties.
Before the human forces left the realm of Andaryon, General Blaine sent Dexter’s corporal, Wil, ahead of the main party as an emissary to King Lerric to inform him of the High King’s intention to visit on the morrow. Blaine had decided Elias would be more comfortable staying at an inn for the night rather than one of Bordenn’s garrisons. He told Wil to keep his wits about him while he was in Daret, and to pay good mind to anything he heard or saw. The corporal went off cheerfully, and Blaine saw him emerge from the substrate tunnel into Bordenn’s wintry landscape.
Formalities observed, Blaine, Robin, and their company of fifty swordsmen arrived in Loxton Castle’s parklands just after noon.
Taran and Denny were there to meet them. Denny greeted them with a formal salute and took Dexter and the swordsmen, along with Blaine’s and Robin’s mounts, off to the barracks. Taran fell into step beside the General as he and Robin made their way up to the castle.
“Where’s Vassa?” asked Blaine.
“Still questioning the men from the mason’s workshop,” said Taran. “The King’s angry and worried, and he’s determined to apprehend the culprit as soon as possible.”
“Is he convinced one of the masons did it?” asked Robin as they reached the steps to the castle doors.
Taran shrugged. “I think he’s hoping it was one of them.”
Blaine and Robin removed their cloaks, handing them to the servant behind the door. Taran led the way to where the men were held, noting Blaine’s piercing look at the way he’d phrased his answer. The General said nothing, following Taran with his expression set. Robin looked thoughtful and exchanged a meaningful glance with Taran.
The Adept led them to the rooms being used to hold and question the mason’s men. The interview room was attached to an even smaller anteroom where Elias currently sat, listening through the half-open door to the Colonel’s questions and the men’s answers. Vassa had shrewdly persuaded Elias to this arrangement, knowing the King’s presence would both alarm and fluster the citizens he was interrogating. They were frightened enough without having to contend with the presence of their King.
Taran showed the General and Robin into the anteroom. Elias glanced up as they entered and waved them all to seats.
Vassa was just finishing with the second man he’d interviewed, and the four men in the anteroom heard him release the laborer to the guard. As he was escorted away, Vassa came through to join them, raising his brows at Elias. “What do you think, my Lord? I didn’t get the impression he knew anything of significance.”
Elias grunted agreement. Blaine turned to him. “I have a suggestion to make. It’ll save time if the Major here conducts the rest of the interviews. His Artesan senses should detect any deception or falsehood. You and I need to discuss our visit to Lerric and the arrangements for the security of the castle.”
Elias nodded and Blaine glanced at Vassa.
“Jerrim, please show the Major where the men are being held and then join us in the King’s audience chamber.”
Elias was drawn firmly in the General’s wake as Vassa turned to lead Robin to where the mason’s men were held. Taran followed. Vassa, relieved to be handing this task to someone else, left them at the door and walked away.
“I take it both you and Brynne suspect the Baron’s hand in this?”
Robin looked up at Taran’s question, his expression somber. “She definitely does. I’m trying to keep an open mind, but it’s hard in the face of her conviction. I think Blaine’s convinced too, although you’ll not get him to admit it. He’ll instruct Vassa to be doubly vigilant while the King is away, and I’d advise you to do the same. You’re not exactly the Baron’s favorite person, either. What have you told Jinny, by the way?” Taran turned away, but Robin had seen his discomfiture. “What is it?”
Taran had no choice but to tell him of his troubles, and Robin’s expression was serious when he was done.
“So she still believes he’s dead?” He shook his head dubiously. “I think you ought to tell her what we suspect, regardless of the state of your relationship. She’ll hear the news of Neremiah’s murder soon enough, and she’s perfectly capable of adding two and two. Do you really want her to sit and stew over the possibilities? Do you want her accusing you of keeping this from her? You ought to alert her to be on her guard, too. I imagine the Baron would just love to get his revenge on her for what she did to betray him. Does she have reliable servants who could double as guards?”
Taran stared in horror. “Do you seriously think he’d try for Jinny? That he’s here in Port Loxton? Oh, good gods, what if he’s hiding out on the estate? Bloody hell, Robin, I have to warn her—!”
Robin laid a hand on the Adept’s arm. “Steady, Taran. You can’t go haring off just yet. The King might require your services. And I doubt very much the Baron’s here. Sullyan thinks he’s working through an agent. So slow down. You can go and speak with Jinny this evening once we’ve left for Bordenn. I doubt anything more will happen for the time being. Reen must know the city will be swarming with King’s Guard for the next few days. He or his agent wouldn’t dare try anything else until that’s died down.”
Taran calmed under Robin’s reasoning, knowing the Major was right. Taran wasn’t free until the King and his company left the castle. To divert his mind, he accompanied Robin while the Major questioned the mason’s five men.
Chapter Nineteen
“As far as I can tell, your Majesty, none of them are guilty of anything more serious than appropriating the odd piece of marble for their own use. Certainly none of them are guilty of Lord Neremiah’s murder. An
d none of them know anything about the knife or the offertory chest.”
Elias sighed in frustration and leaned back in his chair, gripping the upholstered leather arms. He stared into the fire in his private audience chamber, General Blaine, Colonel Vassa, and Taran watching to see what his reaction would be. Robin stood before him, at ease after giving his verdict, and Elias regarded him with weary resignation.
“I was afraid you’d say that. Not that I thought Withen or his men were capable of such a horrific act. But this leaves us no closer to an answer and we still have a dangerous killer on the loose—one calculating enough to plant incriminating evidence. So what do we do now?”
The King directed both his gaze and his question to the General. Blaine pursed his lips.
“I know you don’t want to leave the city with this unresolved, but we’re committed. We have to leave in an hour if we’re to arrive at our lodgings in daylight. My messenger will already have alerted Lerric to your visit and we can’t back out now. Leave the investigation to Jerrim and Denny. They’re quite capable of handling things on their own. And the murderer is probably well away from the city by now, if he’s got any sense. He’s probably hiding out with those damned brigands in Loxton Forest.”
Elias wasn’t happy, but he couldn’t argue with Blaine’s logic. He had no choice, much as he hated the thought of leaving with such a vicious murderer uncaught. He cast his gaze to Vassa. “See if you can’t do something about those brigands while we’re gone, Colonel. And tighten up the city’s security as much as you can. It galls me to think some evil fellow can just walk into Loxton, murder the Arch Patrio, steal all that gold, and then just walk out again. If we have to search everyone entering or leaving in order to stop this kind of thing, we’ll do it. Yes, yes, I know the merchants would be up in arms and the nobility would petition for their rights of privacy, but if that’s what it takes to keep them safe then I’m sure they can be made to see reason. I won’t tolerate such brutal assaults and do nothing to ensure they don’t happen again. I want to see some progress in this matter when I return. Do you hear me?”